A new report from the Center for American Progress and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund shows that Historically Black Colleges and Universities receive a disproportionately low percentage of federal research and development funding.
HBCUs received less than 1 percent—0.91 percent—of the approximately $60 billion in federal research and development R&D expenditures at colleges and universities in fiscal year 2023, despite the fact that they constitute 3.2 percent of U.S. four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities.
The report notes that while policymakers have long acknowledged the need to increase the role of HBCUs in federal R&D programs, previous efforts have thus far fallen short. The study includes four recommendations designed to provide concrete steps that Congress, the White House, and federal agencies can take to ensure this underutilized sector of the higher education community is fully supported in achieving its essential role as an innovator and engine of economic opportunity.